Celebrate the New Year Like a True Londoner

2:52 pm - January 3, 2014

The most popular bookable holidays in the United Kingdom are Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. With Christmastime having passed us by once again, we’re left to look forward to bringing in the New Year and celebrating 2013 for its losses, its gains, its growth, and the lessons it brought us. London, host of more than 30 million visitors every year, according to the London Plan, becomes even more attractive around the holidays.

Like most cosmopolitan cities around the world, London Town comes alive with the traditions of its countless peoples. Even so, those who make their hotel reservations during the bookable holidays, namely New Year’s, do so because they want to celebrate that which is distinctly British about the Big Smoke’s New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations. If that sounds like you, here’s how you can bring in the New Year with style, class, and excitement in the heart of the United Kingdom.

The Best Ways to Spend the New Year in London

The London New Year’s Day Parade

As BBC News writes, the London New Year’s Day Parade is one of the most well loved events for Londoners and visitors visiting during the bookable holidays. 500,000 people will take their places from Piccadilly onward along the 2.2 mile parade line to see over 5,000 international performers. Many of the hotels along the parade’s path have the best hotel reviews in the city, giving guests a way to view the historic parade from the comfort of their rooms.

The New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show

The New Year’s Eve fireworks show in London is known around the world for mixing the magical, vibrant beauty of fireworks with the historic sights and skyline of London Town. Time Out, a site focused on travel in London, points out that the best places to see the fireworks are from designated areas along the River Thames and from the roof of BBC1. However, since those spots fill up quickly, you’ll likely need an alternative viewing location. When you’re booking your holiday packages, ask the hotel staff if your room will offer a great view of the fireworks. It may cost a little more, but it will be well worth it.

Food, Music, and Great Company

Visit London writes that many of the city’s best restaurants and bars truly come alive during New Year’s celebrations. Dover Street Restaurant and Bar offers a renowned jazz show coupled with a high quality meal to help guests welcome the New Year with a full belly and dancing. Likewise, Babylon at the Roof Gardens, located on the roof of the restaurant, offers guests a four-course meal, plenty of champagne, beer, and wine, live music, and a view of the city you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. When you’re searching for your holiday deals, be sure to find out where you’re going to be located in relation to the city’s hottest New Year spots to take full advantage.

There’s a reason why the New Year is the most popular of bookable holidays in London: the city offers a steady, exciting stream of entertainment for people of all tastes. If you’re coming to London for the New Year, keep these things in mind and make sure you’re celebrating your past and future in style.